For years I have taken exceptional delight in being a pet free home – except for the brief stint many years ago of one Waggley Tails Fin, an overweight goldfish. With our daughter having severe allergies, I was definitely home-free in keeping our abode a pet-free sanctuary – or so I thought. Enter karma. Enter allergy shots. Enter Chandler the hypo-allergenic beauty dog, thirteen months ago.

As I was bemoaning the arrival of a four-legged addition, I was showered with lots of encouraging and effusive support. Statements about how much I would love a dog, what joy the dog would bring, the companionship, how much I would learn from a dog.

Chandler the beauty dog!

For those of you who were lovely enough to provide your “you’re going to love having a dog” encouragement while I rolled my eyes in obstinacy, I will say this, “You were right, I was wrong.”

In fact, I’m learning quite a bit about life. At this point, I’m hoping my mother isn’t reading as I share one of the more eye-opening learnings from Chandler the beauty dog. Specifically, his urine elimination patterns – sorry mom.

Having never been a dog owner I was fascinated that when the beauty dog “tinkles” it’s not a full bladder release. Rather a little here, a little more there until he has officially marked the entire block – of course, marking over some other four-legged friend who has already been out for her morning walk.

In Chandler’s “sprinkle overs” I quickly recognize a very specific person around the board room table. The one who has determined their singular role at the meeting is to “tinkle” all over everyone else’s ideas and suggestions while not contributing their own. Or the group who claps when you acknowledge that you’ve met the term limits of your leadership. Or your well-meaning colleague who believes your idea won’t work because it’s already been done.

Your big dream is too important, too amazing, too wonderful to be soiled by anyone. Surround yourself with the people who will genuinely cheer you on and provide you the support to launch your art, your big dream. The world is waiting for your perfectly, perfect brilliant dream!

I agree Judy. I feel fortunate to have worked with you and the team we had who all had such a “we can do anything” attitude. We learned so much, pushed and challenged each other and produced some pretty incredible work!